Anvil block for splicing metallic tapes



April 4, 1950 v. E. SMITH ,5

ANVI L BLOCK FOR SPLICING METALLIC TAPES Filed April 10, 194

xzwmm I .IN V EN TOR.

Patented Apr. 4, 1950 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE ANVIL BLOCK FOR SPLICING METALLIC TAPES 1 Claim.

My present invention relates to an improvement in a device for repairing tapes and more particularly to a block or mold for applying a splice to a broken steel tape of the type employed by engineers, surveyors and the like.

On many occasions in the field, time is lost due to breakage of the tapes used to measure land distances, and by the use of my invention time can be saved because the device is small and portable and may be used on a moment's notice to provide the necessary repair.

Briefly my device consists in a substantially rectangular block having a longitudinally ex-- tending groove on its upper face to receive the abutting broken ends of the tape and an enlarged section in the groove to receive the splice. The splice has folded but free ends into which the ends of the tape are placed in the block, and then with a hammer or other suitable instrument the folded ends of the splice are pressed down into close contact with the abutting tape ends. The spliced section is then drivenout of the groove, and the repair is complete.

While I have illustrated in the drawings the splice for the tape I have found that the device may well be employed to provide replacement numerals for the tape, and if the break is at a point of inch markings on the tape, a splice with the proper numerals may be used. It is also possible to use a blank splice and to indicate the linear measurement thereon by suitable marking.

In the drawings I have illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of my invention according to the best mode I have thus far devised, but it will be understood that changes and alterations may be made in the exemplified structure within the scope of the appended claim.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the block used to repair the broken tapes.

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the block.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the block.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view.

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view of the tape with the splice thereon ready to be repaired.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view of the tape and splice after repair.

Figure '7 is a top plan view of the repaired tape.

block is of small proportions and may readily be carried about by the person using the tape for ready repairs when and if necessary.

On the top 2 of the block I I have fashioned a longitudinally extending shallow groove 4 having a central enlargement 5. This enlargement, constituting a splice-receiving section, is wider and deeper than the groove 4.

Through the block I and within the area of the enlargement of the groove are provided vertical holes 6 and I, countersunk respectively at 8 and 9.

Within the bottom 3 of the block I I employ a countersink I ll substantially below the enlarged portion 5 of the groove 4 and enclosing the holes 6 and 1. A U-shaped punch bar II is formed within the countersink l0 and the legs l2 and 13 thereof extend upwardly through the holes 6 and 1 to the bottom of the groove in the enlarged section.

The upper ends of the legs I 2 and i 3 are formed with collars l4 and Hi to fit into the countersunk portions 8 and 9 of the holes 6 and 1. The punch bar H is adapted to be struck with a hammer or suitable instrument upwardly through the holes 6 and I after the repair is complete to remove the spliced tape.

For use in the block I have ilustrated a steel flexible metal tape l6 of the conventional type as used by surveyors and engineers. When the tape is broken, the ends at the break are carefully aligned so as to lie in a common plane and are placed in the splice II having folded sides l8 and I 9.

When properly aligned and set in the splice,

- the splice and tape are placed in the block, the

tape fitting into the groove =4 and the splice fitting into the enlargement 5. I The end portions of the groove 4 are of a length and width to engage the tape and hold it against movement.

With the tape properly aligned in the tape groove 4 and the splice fitted into the splice enlargement 5, the folded ends l8 and is are flattened by a hammer until the folded ends form a close and driving fit with the broken ends of the tape.

When the operation is complete, the punch bar It is struck and the spliced section of the tape is removed from the block.

The tape is now ready for use, and the block is ready for the next repair job.

It should be apparent from the above description that the device of my invention provides a quick and easy repair tool for use in the field, or in the shop; that the block is simple to manufacture; and is simple to use.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A device for repairing surveyors tape including a small and relatively elongated block having flat top and bottom faces, means formed in the top face for receiving the broken portions of a tape with said portions disposed in a common plane and in non-overlapping relation, and for preventing movement of said portions during repair, said means comprising a straight shallow groove extending from end to end of the top face and proportioned in width to engage the longitudinal edges of the tape portions against slippage, there being a centrally disposed splice-receiving section in the groove deeper and wider than the end portions and adapted to receive REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 216,729 Edmands June 24, 1879 281,847 Dimock July 24, 1883 416,815 Van Wagenen Dec. 10, 1889 1,722,279 Davis July 30, 1929 

